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Month: October 2009

Yesterday, I ventured out on my first actual couponing mission. I had gone to Albertson’s Sunday, but that was a trip for groceries, and they had pretty good deals already, not to mention my coupon collection is pretty sad and sickly at the moment.

Anyways, I went to Rite Aid. Now, normally I would think that Rite Aid is probably just a rip-off. But if you know how to work the system (that they provide for you), and are committed to doing a little homework, you can actually get great prices for stuff! They have recently started this coupons for videos deal, so you watch a commercial on their website, and they’ll give you $1.00—2.00 coupons off of the product you just watched. Two great things about this: you can pick the products you want to view from their list of shampoos, medical needs, toilet paper, etc. —AND— once you view 20 videos, they will give you a $5 off your $20 purchase coupon! WOW! Believe me, the savings add up. All you need is internet that will allow you to watch their commercials, and a printer. They’ll keep your coupons in a list until you print them off, then they are removed. I don’t have a printer where I get my internet service, so I just send them to print and then hold the job until I get home. And . . . viola! Savings!

Notice the picture above. I purchased all of this for $11.70. The toilet paper would normally be $11.00 itself. How did this happen? I carefully walked through the store, keeping my coupons in mind. I already knew I needed milk, and who doesn’t need more toilet paper, right? [I had a pretty good coupon for that, too.] I grabbed the conditioner because I had a coupon and needed it to help reach the total. I decided I could get the spices because I needed them anyways. I knew I would be pretty close to the $20 limit (you want to stay as close as possible), and when I got to the register is was $19 and some change, so I threw in the Orbit. I used the $5 off of $20 coupon first, then a $2.00 for the TreSemme and a $2.00 for the toilet paper—all from watching videos on the sight.

I am by no means a professional couponer, so you can see that it’s easy from the get-go! As I get more used to it, I know I’ll be able to plan my trips for even better savings. A friend of mine routinely saves more than she spends on her trips, and sometimes even gets away with only paying tax! If you’re willing to put forth the effort, you can save tons of money! Every drugstore has its own system. I wouldn’t be a Rite Aid shopper normally, but it’s the only store with reasonable prices within 45 minutes of home. Check out www.myfrugaladventures.blogspot.com to figure out your best option. This website does most of the work for you—keeping updated posts on lots of different stores, even giving you examples of how to get the best savings.

Ok. I should go now. I need to get back to designing websites. [whew.]

Mary Lekoshere, who was inspired by Melissa Muth, has decided to blog one work of art daily during the month of October. I admit that I am jealous of her truly artistic abilities. Not only is she a fabulous artist, she has a way with words that will command a smile with almost every blog post. The one thing I can brag above her is that I know my way around computers. :) In this transition time, I have found myself with quite a bit of down-time. I am actively seeking employment, but there are only so many places you can apply. Now has begun the online search while waiting to hear back from other companies. Anyways, I was just trying to say there’s a lot of free time. Between cleaning the house and car, laundry, and meals, I have . . . nothing . . . to do. Maybe I will devote some time to redeveloping the quickness necessary for designers. I want to pick up sketching again. So, Mary, thanks for your inspiration.

Deb Buckingham has also inspired me. She is the only person I have ever personally observed work coupon magic. After sending me to a couple websites (A Full Cup and My Frugal Adventures), I got hooked. The one problem I’ve run into is that I don’t have a printer at the same time that I have internet service. (Thank you, Internet Cafe.) I’m definitely not complaining. It just makes it hard to print all those coupons. After returning home tonight, I will see if my plan to print will actually work. This is another free-time spender. It requires a little more research, but once I get started, I know I’m going to enjoy it a LOT! I love saving money (even though my dad might argue otherwise).

Web designers in general have inspired me. Yesterday, my amazing husband decided it was worth the investment to purchase a book that will help me master web design. In all honesty, that was the only class during college I didn’t feel benefited me. It didn’t click then. I could make a website look good, but I couldn’t guarantee that it would work. And I have been wanting to figure it out ever since. So, now I have the time and the resources, and I am determined to become a proficient web designer. This is where most of my free time will be spent. (As soon as I get done with this crazy blog post.)

Today was the first day I spent separated from my husband since our wedding day. It was good. And I can’t wait to see him when he comes home. Look at him, out there bringing home the bacon. Yes, that is myhusband. And after dinner ( . . . maybe before?) we will have our second tennis date. Last night was fabulous. We are horrible. :)